1929 DeSoto K Model Roadster

Original RHD car made in Canada for the New Zealand market; once imported to the UK, she featured at many shows; held in a museum between 2002 and 2014; recommisioned for the road since then; very rare find

This 1929 flagship Desoto Sports Roadster(often referred to as the ‘Espanol’ or Conqueror) dates from the first year of the K series production. It was originally built in Windsor, Ontario, Canada in right-hand drive form for export to Cambridge, New Zealand and first registered as GF 8077 in December 1929.

The car remained in NZ until 1982 when it was imported into the UK gaining its current registration of DFP460 for which there is a current V5 document. Under the ownership of the late Col.JD Carter in the North of England she was known as “Daphne” and was in daily use and a frequent entrant to rallies including the 1997 vintage Classic Run from Manchester to Blackpool, in the process winning first in class in Auto Trader American car trophies 1997 & 1998. Also, as it is now, proudly displaying a Kings Own Yorkshire Yeomanry Light Infantry badge.  

Following Col. Carter’s passing, Daphne was placed in a historic car museum until sold at auction in 2014 to Professor Peter Jeffery of Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire. In a dry and secure garage store it was lovingly part recommissioned including replacement of front brake hoses, wheel cylinders, master cylinder honing and full repair kit, relined front brake shoes, new inner and outer front wheel bearings and seals, hand brake pad relining, refurbished Stockport autovac, new oil and filter, HT leads and distributor condenser and very recent new 6 volt battery with snap-on terminals. Previous recommissioning bills include a reconditioned clutch centre and pressure plate, cylinder head skimming and rebuild (machine shop tested), attention to NST armature/Drive and core plug and water hose replacements. 

Daphne was used by Peter locally and admired at various local garden fetes, until he reluctantly sold it throught Brightwells earlier this year. The successful purchaser drove it back to his home in Brecon with no problems but after a few outings, he realised that the size of the footwell is considerably smaller than the size of his legs! Only being re-offered due to this unfortunate size difference, this is yet another chance to own a very rare motor.

The car is presented in striking yellow with black trim, is highly original in that it carries Desoto’s original specifications with straight six 175 cu in (2800cc) 55HP flathead engine (AK10880), 3-speed manual sliding gear transmission, Lockheed hydraulic brakes, ignition lock, brake light and steering hub controls for headlights with glass protection covers. This comfortable sports tourer should give many years of happy motoring for the vintage enthusiast.

Further information - toby.service@brightwells.com

Reg No: DFP460
Chassis Number: 0W2844
Engine Number: AK10880
Engine Size: 2866cc
Docs: V5C, old style Log Book, 7 old MOT's, Magazines, Photographs, Invoices.

Estimate: £16,000+